It was 2013, and Bug suddenly couldn’t use her legs. A shelter dog rescued in 2007, Bug had become part of Holland’s household, a full-on member of the family. They took Bug to Great Falls to get surgery on what they found was a blown disc in her neck, and while the surgery that Dr. Rick Scherr performed relieved the pain, the dog remained immobile.

“We suspect that she had a spinal stroke as well,” Holland said.

All Bug could do was wag her tail and lift her head. The prognosis was grim, offering little chance of the Doberman regaining her mobility.

“As I was leaving, another vet said, ‘Don’t give up on that dog,’” Holland said. “They said to get her home and upright.”

Holland’s husband built several contraptions to get Bug on her feet, but otherwise, they were at a loss at how to help their canine friend.

That is, until the Whitefish Animal Hospital called with an offer to work with Stacy Upton, a physical therapist who had recently taken her know-how to the dog realm.

Bug was fitted for a custom wheelchair, and, thanks to a Facebook fundraising drive, was soon scooting around in a $1,500 Eddie’s Wheels wheelchair for dogs. Within two or three days in the wheels, Bug could sit up on her own. After four months in the chair and doing physical therapy with Upton, Bug was out of the wheels entirely, walking and jogging on her own.

Sitting in Canine in Motion last week, Upton’s business specializing in physical therapy and fitness for dogs, Holland grew teary at the memory of Bug’s fight to walk again.

“This is a really important thing for me to see happen,” she said of the physical therapy practice. “It saved my dog’s life.”

“She did a ton of work,” Upton said of Bug. “I just kind of guided them.”

Upton is one of the few certified canine rehabilitation practitioners (CCRP) in Montana. She’s worked in human physical therapy for years but always had an interest in canine wellness. When presented with the opportunity to become a CCRP through a program at the University of Tennessee, Upton jumped at the chance.

Four years later, Canine in Motion is up and running, with a workout space for the dogs, including aquatic therapy. The underwater treadmill at her shop is a rarity in the state — it can be filled to any level and allows a pooch to walk or jog with a normal gait pattern while also taking pressure off the dog’s joints.

Buck, Upton’s 6-year-old Labradoodle, is a big fan of the tank, and likes to hold a yellow fish toy in his mouth while he works out. The tank not only helps for rehabbing dogs, but also for fitness, Upton said, because the resistance allows the dog to get in a good workout in half the time.

Otherwise, the facility provides FitPaws exercise balls for dogs, so the canines can work on balance and coordination. The dogs also train on ramps and stairs, and can do an assortment of activities to work on their issues. Upton also offers laser therapy and manual therapy to go along with the therapeutic exercise.

It was a bit of a pipe dream when she first thought of it, Upton said. But now that dogs have become more like family members than pets, more people are searching for ways to improve their dogs’ lives. Common surgeries in dogs, such as ACL tear repairs, need rehabilitation efforts for the dog to regain full use of the injured area as well as keep the rest of the body healthy instead of overcompensating.

At this point, Upton works with canine clients by appointment while she juggles Canine in Motion with her human clientele. Any dog owners seeking rehab need a veterinary referral, but fitness clients don’t, she said.

“It’s so fulfilling working with dogs,” Upton said. “Dogs — they want to get better.”

Bug did get better, adding a whole extra year to her life before she was diagnosed with the cancer that would eventually take her. Holland said the last year with Bug was a gift she’ll always cherish.

“Without Stacy, we wouldn’t have had a whole extra year with Bug,” Holland said.

Start with a deep brushing, carefully working out any mats and tangles. A matted coat will cause skin problems, irritation and discomfort. A badly matted dog should be seen by a qualified groomer with the tools and training to address the problem humanely.

Check for parasites. While you are brushing and combing, inspect the dog’s skin for signs of fleas, ticks and other parasites. Don’t stop parasite prevention treatments yet; those pests will be looking for a ride indoors before the cold weather arrives.

Shampoo thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, mold spores and parasites. Follow with a conditioner to moisturize sun-damaged skin. Towel dry, then brush and comb the coat. It’s best not to use a home hair dryer, because it can burn the dog’s skin.

Do an ear check for problems that may be triggered by summer swims. If the ears have an odor or show signs of redness, or if the pet is scratching at them, proper cleaning by a professional groomer or veterinarian is in order.

Do a foot check by spreading the pads and looking between the toes. Redness and irritation may indicate contact dermatitis or allergies from lawn chemicals, hot asphalt or grass seed – requiring cleaning and treatment. Nails and excess hair between the pads should be trimmed.Source:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dont-wait-to-undo-summertime-damage-to-dogs-coat-and-skin-300328162.html

]]>Paid time off to care for a pet? Seems only fair to mehttps://houndzofhollywood.net/paid-time-off-to-care-for-a-pet-seems-only-fair-to-me/
Mon, 09 May 2016 18:05:42 +0000http://houndzofhollywood.net/?p=852Read more]]>

Some enlightened employers offer pet-eternity leave. I’m not saying we should prioritize animals over children, but I do have three rescues of my own

‘Almost one in 20 new pet owners in the UK have been offered time off to look after for a sick or newly homed animal.’ Photograph: Alamy

The stereotype of Brits as a nation of pet-obsessives has been given a fresh boost by a survey showing that increasing numbers of firms are giving staff paid time off work to care for their animals. According to the insurer Petplan, almost one in 20 new pet owners in the UK have been offered time off to look after for a sick or newly homed animal. Some companies allow employees to take a few hours off to settle in a new pet, while a tiny minority offer as much as several weeks.

This seems only fair to me. As a pet lover with three rescue animals of my own, I know how much time can go towards taking care of them. My dog Maisie, well known to Guardian readers, came to us all the way from Ireland, where she had been badly abused and neglected. The physical and emotional damage Maisie had suffered in those few short months before we took her in meant several trips to the vet as well as, at least for the first few weeks, a rota to ensure she was not left alone.

Our two cats had similar beginnings, and came to us with problems. This meant more vets’ bills, more time looking after them, and a few sleepless nights.

As a freelancer, any time I take off for whatever reason is unpaid. But plenty of pet owners I know with proper jobs tend to assume that they have to take annual or unpaid leave to care for pets, even in a life-or-death emergency.

It is my choice to have pets, as it is for parents to have children. After decades of feminist campaigning, many women in paid employment are entitled to decent maternity leave and other benefits. Pet-eternity or paw-ternity leave is not something that the majority of pet owners expect to be entitled to, according to research published last year by the animal welfare charity Blue Cross. A survey of 2,000 pet owners found that more than four in 10 have “pulled a sickie” from work because of their pet.

]]>The Pet Obesity Epidemic: What If Your Pet Is Overweight?https://houndzofhollywood.net/the-pet-obesity-epidemic-what-if-your-pet-is-overweight/
Tue, 26 Jan 2016 19:43:02 +0000http://houndzofhollywood.net/?p=756Read more]]>Obesity is a growing major epidemic. (You’ve heard this before? Read on.) Obesity is affecting every age and every location. (“OK,” you may say. Keep reading.) Obesity can lead to life-altering and -threatening chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, bone and joint problems and hair coat problems. (“Yes, yes…er, what?”) Obesity leads to early death and rising healthcare costs. (You ask: “Certainly, but what do you mean by ‘hair coat problems?’”). Obesity is affecting nearly every population, every group, ranging from beagles to poodles to Labradors to Siamese to British Shorthairs to Terrapins. (“Wait, are we talking about people?”) Yes, there is a global human obesity epidemic, but there is also a growing pet obesity epidemic.

Here a 5-year-old obese dachshund walks on an aqua treadmill at El Perro aqua fitness club for dogs in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images)

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, in the United States, an estimated 52.7% of dogs and 57.9% of cats are overweight or obese. (Yes, a lot of fat cats.) This translates to the following estimates: 43.8 million overweight or obese dogs, 13.9 million obese dogs, 55 million overweight or obese cats, and 26.2 million obese cats. (Yes, this is the unfortunate truth about cats and dogs.) Common consequences of obesity for cats and dogs include heat intolerance, decreased stamina, reproductive problems, osteoarthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, breathing problems, ligament injuries, kidney disease, many types of cancer and decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years). Even though less data is available, anecdotal evidence suggests that obesity is a growing problem with other pet species such as birds and turtles.

What is happening and what are we doing to our pets? In some ways, the pet obesity epidemic lends insight to the human obesity epidemic. You can’t blame plus size pet models, the pets for being lazy, or other things that people to tend to incorrectly blame people for with regard to obesity. As with the human obesity epidemic, the social, environmental, cultural and economic systems around pets are changing. For example, pet diets are changing with more calorie-dense and processed foods…just like human diets. Pets may not be moving around as much because their owners are becoming increasingly sedentary. (Could pet obesity be a sign or harbinger for human owner obesity?) And who knows what the effects of different medications such as antibiotics are having on pets.

So what can you do for your pet? No, you shouldn’t fat-shame your pets (e.g.,”Princess, you will never get someone to sniff you if you are fat.”). Here are several things:

Weigh and keep track of your pet: The problem is that you may not be able to tell if your pet is obese. There are no Madamefelines fashion magazines, Puppy’s Secret fashion shows, or Pets in the City television shows that set potentially arbitrary standards for how pets should appear and act. Except for Garfield perhaps, and he appears quite obese and shows that heavier pets may even appear “cuter” to owners. As with people, obesity is not purely an appearance issue for pets. Real scientific measurements such as the body condition score (BCS) are what matters. There may be some physical clues that your pet is overweight such as you can’t feel your pet’s ribs or see your pet’s waist. The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) developed a set of Pet Size-O-Meters to help roughly evaluate your dog, cat, rabbit, bird or guinea pig.

Take your pet to the vet: Unless you know the ideal body weight and BCS specific for your pet’s species, breed and age (e.g., a hamster should not be as heavy as a sheepdog), a veterinarian will know better what numbers are in the healthy range. The veterinarian can also perform a physical exam and other relevant tests.

Some airline passengers question whether animals should be allowed to fly in cabins. Facebook comments edited for clarity and grammar:

Planes are simply too confined. If you have unique travel requirements, such as a service animal, pet or toddler who you know will have a tantrum, then take another means of transportation.

—Rosbo Octavia Principia Quint

Gizmo, PD and Jelly Bean (L to R) – Jelly Bean says that she is so happy that her MOM found Hound’z Of Hollywood and is taking such good care of her family and don’t we look fabulous!!!

Every opportunity should be taken to accommodate folks who need actual service animals. However, other animal owners who simply can’t go an entire vacation without their pets do not deserve the same consideration. People, and especially children with allergies, are more important than dogs.

—Mark Norris

I fly with my dog and haven’t experienced this negative backlash. Many people tell me they find it comforting to see a pet on board, especially those who are nervous to fly.

I think if the owner is responsible and takes care of the animal, there shouldn’t be issues.

—Shannon Mustang

I would pay extra for a child-free flight. I am sick of people being able to bring their ill-mannered children anywhere they want, but God forbid I bring my well-mannered small dog.

—Josephine Arwood

I’ve brought two cats with me on overseas flights at separate times. The only problem was with a passenger who claimed to be allergic. The flight attendant assured me it was the other passenger who would have to change flights.

—Mara Alexander

USA TODAY 12:33 a.m. EDT August 5, 2015

]]>The Best Furniture Fabric When You Have Petshttps://houndzofhollywood.net/the-best-furniture-fabric-when-you-have-pets/
Tue, 09 Jun 2015 14:15:31 +0000http://houndzofhollywood.net/?p=601Read more]]>When you have pets, you have to be careful with furniture. Your sofa or armchair can easily turn into a giant scratching post, chew toy, or hair magnet. And the upholstery fabric you choose can make a big difference.

I am Zoe, My mom went to Hawaii and all I got was this dress!!!

Some fabric is more pet-friendly than others, Apartment Therapy points out. They share a a few of their best options for furniture fabric when you have pets. A couple of them include:

Consider Synthetic Fiber (Ultrasuede/Microfiber): It’s not always easy to get excited about this choice aesthetically (that said, there are always exceptions, especially if the shape of the sofa or chair is super stylish), but it’s about as close to “pet proof” as you can get. Cats don’t seem to like scratching it (especially if there is a scratching post nearby) and even if they try, it’s easy to brush away, if it even shows up. Cleaning is easy too, especially if the upholstery code is “W”: you can use a simple solution of soap and water.

Lots to Love with Leather: The allure of leather is that it is mostly resistant to odor and it doesn’t attract pet hair. If by chance some actually happens to find its way onto the cushions, it wipes off easily with a dust cloth. Cats seem to avoid leather as long as there is a scratching post nearby, and if your dog leaves a scratch you can usually buff it out. If it’s an option, choose distressed leather, it will draw less attention to scratches and scuffs.

Embrace Outdoor Fabric: Widely available and intended for (surprise) use outdoors, this fabric is extremely easy to clean and can be found in beautiful colors and prints and natural materials. While it might not always be as soft as the synthetic fibers mentioned above, it’s got more going for it in the way of patterns and prints. If your pet has found a favorite chair or spot on a specific sofa, it might be worth the effort to get a slipcovers made out of this fabric.

Fabrics to Avoid: chenille, velvet, wool, linen, silk, and tweed

They suggest staying away from tweed, which can trap the hair in its weave. Of course, pets and their habits vary, so your mileage will, too. But each of their suggestions have some valid points to consider. Check out the full post for yourself here.

Regular pet grooming is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. A proper grooming routine keeps dogs clean, happy, and healthy. Moreover, regular grooming can prevent a variety of diseases and infections caused by matted hair, wax build-up, bacteria, dirt, and a variety of other contaminants. Preventative measures such as these can also curtail unnecessary canine health issues and potentially expensive trips to the vet. Here are some essential tips on pet grooming for dogs and ways to avoid potentially expensive as well as unnecessary veterinary bills.

Gizmo, PD and Jelly Bean (L to R) – Jelly Bean says that she is so happy that her MOM found Hound’z Of Hollywood and is taking such good care of her family and don’t we look fabulous!!!

1. Bathing–It is generally recommended that most dogs get a bath every 2-4 months. However, if the animal gets into something foul or sticky, the dog should be bathed immediately. It is also important to note that bathing an animal too frequently will dry out its skin and strip its coat of natural oils. Moreover, certain dog breeds require more frequent bathing needs. It is best to do one’s research ahead of time so that owners are prepared to care for their canine friend, especially if someone is a first-time owner.

2. Brushing–Establishing a regular brushing routine with a canine is a terrific way to bond with the animal. Moreover, it removes dead/dry skin and hair, re-distributes the oils for a clean and healthy coat, stimulates the skin’s surface, and helps the owner become familiar with the dog’s body. Furthermore, it reduces matted hair, dirt and bacteria build-up, as well as skin irritation for canines. Not to mention, regular brushing just makes dogs happy. It is recommended that owners should brush their dogs every couple of days, regardless of the length of their coat.

3. Nail Care–Another essential tip for pet grooming involves allowing dogs to become familiar with having their feet touched prior to attempting nail care. Some animals can get very upset at this unsettling and foreign feeling. Begin by rubbing a hand up and down their legs, and then, gently press each individual toe on each foot. Be sure to give dogs lots of praise, attention, and some treats while doing this preparation so they view it as a rewarding experience. Dogs are different, but chances are that within a week or two of daily foot massages, the canine will be better able to tolerate a nail trim. When trimming a dog’s nails, begin by spreading each of their feet to inspect for dirt and debris. Make sure to use sharp, sturdy nail clippers to cut off the tip of each nail at a slight angle. Owners should cut just before the point where the nail begins to curve. Extra care must be taken to avoid the nail quick, which is a vein that runs into the nail bed. The nail quick is usually pink and can often be seen through the nail. However, dogs with black nails require extra care and attention, since the quick will not be as easily discernible. If the nail quick is cut while trimming, it may result in bleeding and some styptic powder can be applied to stop the bleeding. After the nails are trimmed, use an emery board to file and smooth any rough spots.

4. Dental Care–Just like humans, dogs can suffer from a variety of dental issues (e.g. gum disease, tartar build-up, cavities, etc.). It is also important to note that bacteria from gum disease can enter a dog’s bloodstream causing many other health problems. Making a canine’s dental care a priority will spare the animal unnecessary pain and health concerns, as well as their owners significant vet bills. It is recommended that owners should clean their dog’s teeth 2-3 times per week.

5. Special Breeds With Special Needs–Dogs with loose facial skin or wrinkles, such as pugs or shar peis, will require special grooming needs. The skin folds should be cleaned via damp cotton to prevent bacteria growth and dirt from causing irritation as well as possible infection. Moreover, it is also important to always thoroughly dry between the skin folds.

For dogs who have droopy or long ears, their owners should check them weekly. Dirt and wax should be removed from the canine’s ears with a cotton ball moistened with water or some mineral oil. Some breeds may also require excess hair removal from areas such as their face or ear canal. Owners should consult a dog groomer or vet for excess hair removal tips and/or procedures before trying it at home. There are special hair removers available on the market that allow hair to be removed one strand at a time.

Dogs that suffer from skin and/or certain medical conditions may also have special pet grooming requirements. It is best for owners to their research and consult a vet or pet groomer for special handling tips so that they are prepared to care for their animals.

Just like humans, dogs require a regular grooming routine. A proper grooming routine keeps pets clean, happy, and healthy. Moreover, regular grooming can prevent a variety of diseases and infections caused by matted hair, wax build-up, bacteria, dirt, and a variety of other contaminants. Preventative measures such as these can also curtail unnecessary canine health issues and potentially expensive trips to the vet. Hopefully, these essential tips on pet grooming for dogs will help owners avoid potentially expensive and unnecessary veterinary bills, as well as spare canines unnecessary health issues and distress.

By Leigh Haugh
Read more at https://guardianlv.com/2015/04/dogs-essential-tips-on-pet-grooming/#2zoM8QC0TxfmTcDC.99

April is National Pet First-Aid Awareness Month, and although it is a topic pet parents should have on their minds year-round, this is a great time to make sure you learn animal life-saving skills. You can’t keep your four-legged best friend in a plastic bubble – without notice, illness and injury happen, so you must be PAWpared to help even before you can get veterinary assistance.
Preventable accidents are the leading cause of death among our pets, and according to the American Veterinary Association (AVMA) 9 out of 10 dogs and cats can expect to have an emergency during their lifetime. The good news is that 25% more animals can be saved if humans perform first aid BEFORE getting to their Vet (American Animal Hospital Association AAHA statistic). What this means is that the most competent Veterinarian cannot bring your pet back to life, but by knowing Pet First-Aid & CPR, you can keep your dog or cat alive until you reach professional medical help.

By knowing Pet First Aid, you can:

• Lower your pet’s body temperature if he suffers from Heat Stroke and prevent brain damage or death.
• Stop bleeding and prevent infection by properly bandaging a wound. Knowing where the critical arterial pressure points are on your pooch can truly be life-saving!
• Prevent your pet from losing consciousness by alleviating choking.
• Expel poison from your pet’s system by properly inducing vomiting
• Be the pump your pet’s heart can’t be until you can get him to professional medical help.

Pet First-Aid is by no means a replacement for veterinary care, but reacting at the moment injury occurs and then getting to professional medical help can make a difference. You and your Veterinarian must work together as a team for the well-being of your pet.

Even before you get into a Pet First-Aid & CPCR Class you should:

1. Know where your nearest Animal ER is & Keep up with annual Veterinary Visits. Drive there before you need to, so that you know where to enter, what services are offered and how they accept payment. Don’t miss annual veterinary exams where professional eyes, hands, ears, stethoscope, blood test and urinalysis can diagnose problems at their earliest stages.

2. Do a weekly Head-to-Tail Check-up of your pet and notice changing habits. Really get to know your pet, his body and his habits so that you can more quickly determine when something is not quite right. Feel for lumps and bumps, parasites and burrs, anything that should not be on him. Notice what your dog or cat looks like when he sits and stands. How often do you have to fill his water bowl and how often he needs to answer nature’s call? Changes may warrant a veterinary check-up.

3. Get Down on all Fours. Look at your house and yard from your pet’s perspective. Anything on the floor is fair game and an animal’s amazing sense of smell can find hidden temptations behind cabinet doors. Cleaners and fertilizers not absorbed through paw pads will be ingested when your dog or cat grooms himself, so keep items out of paws reach and use pet friendly chemicals.

4. Read your pet’s food label. The first 3-5 items listed on the ingredient label are the bulk of your pet’s diet. Make sure the first one is a high quality protein — the name of the animal in the food (ie: chicken, lamb, salmon, or venison). Limit or avoid wheat, corn and soy which results in allergic reactions in many pets. Can’t pronounce it? Your pet probably doesn’t need it. Feeding the right food (all dogs and cats won’t do well on the same brand) just may prevent illness. Educate yourself for your pet’s sake as food okay for humans may not be so for canines or felines.

5. Spend quality time together. That’s why we have pets – to make them part of the family, so when you walk the dog, don’t talk on your cell phone or text. Tune in to kitty rather than mindlessly petting her. Be in the now and keep your eyes open to your pet’s environment to avoid disasters.

Source: https://www.scratchingsandsniffings.com

Pets are an important part of many families, and April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month is the perfect time to ensure you have the skills to take care of your furry family member.

Pet First Aid Tips
Do you know what to do during a pet emergency? Here are some common emergency tips:

• To determine if your cat or dog is dehydrated, pull up on the skin between the shoulder blades. It should spring right back; if it stays tented this is a sign of dehydration.
• Signs of pet poisoning include bleeding externally or internally, dilated pupils, drooling or foaming at the mouth, seizures or other abnormal mental state or behavior.
• If your pet has a seizure, make sure it is in a safe place, but do not restrain the animal. Keep your hands away from its mouth as your pet may not know who you are during a seizure and could bite you.
• Signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion include collapse; body temperature of 104 degrees F or above; bloody diarrhea or vomiting; wobbliness; excessive panting or difficulty breathing; increase heart rate; mucous membranes very red; and increased salivation.
• Pets bitten by other animals need vet attention to prevent the wound (even if minor) from becoming infected and to check for internal wounds. Never break up a dogfight yourself because you could be bitten.
• If your pet is bleeding, apply direct pressure using gauze over the bleeding site. If blood soaks through, apply more gauze (do not removed soaked gauze) until you can reach a veterinary hospital.

Pet First Aid App
More lifesaving information is available on the Red Cross Pet First Aid App that helps dog and cat owners to provide emergency care until veterinary assistance is available. Owners have access to step-by-step instructions, videos and images for more than 25 common first aid emergencies. Check out the Top 5 Features of the
Red Cross Pet First Aid App.
The Pet First Aid App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps.
Pet owners may also take a Red Cross Pet First Aid course so they can practice the skills and receive feedback. People can go to redcross.org/takeaclass for information and to register.
https://www.redcross.org

]]>Spring is here! Start your Spring cleaning with your dog!https://houndzofhollywood.net/spring-is-here-start-your-spring-cleaning-with-your-dog/
Thu, 02 Apr 2015 19:12:07 +0000http://houndzofhollywood.net/?p=555Read more]]>Spring is the hardest time of the year to keep your pets clean. You battle everything from dirt to pollen. This is especially important for families with allergies. Pets can carry in pollen and get it on your carpet, rugs and furniture. Be sure to get your dog groomed frequently to keep the outside grime OUTSIDE!

At Hound’z Of Hollywood, we provide a stress free, convenient and loving alternative to grooming your most special friend in the world. At Hound’z Of Hollywood, we know you have a busy schedule and it can be hard to schedule your dogs grooming appointment and make numerous trips back and forth to a grooming salon. With Hound’z Of Hollywood we eliminate the stress and anxiety of a traditional noisy, chaotic grooming shop environment. Your dog will never see the inside of a cage. He/she will receive one-on-one, completely specialized and loving attention. That is why at Hound’z Of Hollywood, we strive to make your dog’s grooming experience a relaxing one. For all the love they give you, shouldn’t their day be just as rewarding as yours.

With Hound’z Of Hollywood, we come to you, take your dog for a potty break before entering our fully equipped, climate controlled, elite size grooming vehicle and the best part will be no more separation anxiety for you or your dog. They receive constant one-on-one attention from start to finish and then lovingly returned to you looking and feeling great “Hollywood Style”. This is truly the best way to show your love and appreciation for your companion.

Charlie at Bark in the Park at Al Lopez Park

About Charlie: Prior to getting my certification I had groomed friends and family pets for over 15 years. I also worked in pet salons in Atlanta Georgia as an apprentice so I have learned from the ground up. I too am a pet owner of a very special Shiba-Inu (Lucy) and love to just give that special attention to all of our four-legged friends.

It is our mission to provide a caring, quality and professional grooming to your dog, that is both a pleasurable experience for him or her, and is convenient for you.

]]>Dog grooming: why it’s not just Crufts entrants that need care and attentionhttps://houndzofhollywood.net/dog-grooming-why-its-not-just-crufts-entrants-that-need-care-and-attention/
Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:03:16 +0000http://houndzofhollywood.net/?p=542Read more]]>Pet grooming is often perceived as being purely for beauty, but in reality it’s hugely important for their health and well-being – even if you’re not planning to enter them in Crufts.

How often you groom your pet will depend on a number of factors (such as the length of their coat) but it’s an important part of every pet’s routine.

Grooming can help you spot fleas, bumps and cuts as well as skin problems – and will also help you bond with your pet.

Start grooming your pet when they are young

You should try to get your pet accustomed to grooming while they are still a puppy or kitten.

If you wait too long to begin grooming, your pet may find it harder to get used to – especially when it comes to things such as nail clipping.

Talk to your groomer about when to start grooming your pet.

Hi I am Zoe, this was my first time using Houndz Of Hollywood and wasn’t Charlie GRRRREAT!!!

Be patient when grooming your pet

If your pet is particularly energetic, you might find it hard to keep them still for long enough to thoroughly groom them.

Don’t get disheartened though. Start simply, by taking a small section of their coat and groom them for little longer each time with lots of praise afterwards.

With plenty of patience, your pet can actually enjoy being groomed and it can also improve the bond between you and your pet.

Brush your pet’s coat regularly

You should try to brush your dog a few times a week, or slightly less for dogs with short hair.

Use a specialist brush or comb and groom small sections of hair at a time. Holding your hand close to your dog’s skin will reduce any tugging and make it easier to see any dirt, abnormalities or fleas (little black specks can indicate your pet has fleas).

Consult your groomer for advice on the best way for you to begin grooming your pet.

Ensure your pet’s eyes and ears remain healthy

When you come to groom your pet, you should also be checking for any abnormalities with their eyes and ears – regardless of whether you have a cat or dog.

Tell your vet if you see any redness, irritation, or cloudy eyes as any of these symptoms could indicate an infection or a larger underlying problem.

Keep your pet’s nails trimmed

Active dogs may not need nail trimming, but it’s important to check regularly as long nails can curl and grow into your dog’s paws causing pain and infection – much like ingrowing toenails in humans.